Comments on: tuesday thoughts: stuff that makes me scratch my head and say “wha?”

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:21:12 +0000

Actually, downtown Detroit is very nice. It’s the other areas of the city that aren’t. East side, for instance. And honestly, that’s not so much a reflection of the auto industry as it is a reflection of the horrible mismanagement that the city has endured for many, many years.

But actually, now that you mention it, a large portion of Michigan does look like that now. Towns like Flint, Lansing, Grand Rapids, etc. are all suffering the same fate. It’s not isolated to Detroit.

By: Beltwaybob

Beltwaybob — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:10:53 +0000

Would you really like all of Michigan to look like downtown Detroit? The wake up call they are getting is appropriate and I have to root that they take the message to heart and head out in the proper direction.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:02:32 +0000

Just playing devil’s advocate here, but say the Big 3 were Utah companies. Would you be so anxious to see them allowed to fail? How about DC companies?

I tend to agree with you that they should be allowed to fail – but that being said, it will be devastating to Michigan. The state already has a 11% unemployment rate, and if these automakers fail, that takes with it the supplier business. I see Michigan’s unemployment nearing 25-30% if that happens. And unfortunately for my home state, there is no other industry waiting to take over those jobs.

I understand the bailout carrot in this instance – but I think for anything to be done, the Auto companies have to make some pretty sweeping changes.

By: Jank

Jank — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:00:28 +0000

Must be said: if it’s tourist season, what’s the bag limit?

We’re still 2 weeks out from spring.

Re: Barry – I feel that way about pretty much anyone who’s spent more than about 10 years in elected office.